Mehreen Jabbar reflects on Lala Begum win
The year 2017 did not have the most auspicious start when it comes to Pakistani cinema but the future certainly looks bright.
On one end, there are commercial films like Punjab Nahi Jaungi and Na Maloom Afraad 2 that are running successfully in cinemas even after two weeks of release, picking up mostly good reviews. On the other, there are films like Saawan, released nationwide on September 15, that has won four international awards so far. Another local film that won big internationally is Mehreen Jabbar’s Lala Begum that has been written by Mohammad Ahmed.
Starring Marina Khan, Sonia Rehman Khan and Humayun Saeed, Lala Begum recently won an award for Best Screenplay at the Washington DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF).
Speaking to Instep post victory, director of the film, Mehreen Jabbar shared, “I think this award is richly deserved by Mohammad Ahmed. He has written Lala Begum in his classic style with powerful, nuanced characters and with depth and humor.”
Jabbar also emphasized on the need to present these films to viewers all around the world. She said, “Together with the current revival that’s happening within cinema in Pakistan it’s also important for Pakistani films to be represented on the world stage and film festivals provide audiences from the world a chance to see some Pakistani cinema.”
Revolving around the story of two sisters and their love-hate relationship, Lala Begum was one of the six Pakistani films made under Zeal for Unity initiative last year. It has been screened at some festivals since completion but we hope to watch it soon in Pakistan as well.
Related Stories
The Express Tribune: Saawan: An ambitious mess that falls face first
The Nation: Sana Safinaz weave a magical tale for FPW
” 
” 
” 
” 
